Nothing goes together like subs and summertime. We've put together a list of 12 savor-worthy subs across the county. This is not a definitive list by any means but a good place to get started on your sub sandwich sojourn. In no particular order… let the countdown begin!
#1 Philly Steak and Wings
In the Barclay Place Shopping Center off Highway 98, this fast-casual restaurant with a modest facade and simple dining space offers some of the county's finest under-the-radar fare. Owner Shuiqing Cindy Liu makes Philly-style cheesesteaks, wings, and other handhelds like Poboys, burgers, and Gyros. Their namesake, like everything else they offer, is noteworthy. The generously sized Philly cheesesteak has cheese melted over Amoroso bread hugging freshly sliced ribeye. Their wings are nothing to balk at, either. Popular flavors include tangy Lemon Pepper and Honey Hot wings dripping with Nashville-esque spice. GFP hot tip: Check their Facebook page to find out about 'dumpling days' and thank us later.
4963 US Hwy 98 N, Lakeland, FL
(863) 606-6122
www.phillysteakandwingslakeland.com
FB: Philly Steak & Wings Lakeland
#2 Subs' n Such
This little yellow building is a beacon for rave-worthy subs. Family-owned and operated since 1977, Subs' n Such is a generational Lakeland staple. The Italian sub is a stand-out, not to be outdone by their crave-able cheesesteak. The menu features a selection of hot and cold subs, specialty sandwiches, wraps, salads, hotdogs, and more. Finish your meal (if you still have room) with a triple brownie or cake slice.
1008 Florida Ave S, Lakeland, FL
(863) 686-9035
#3 Publix
We sub snobs just know that Publix does it best. No beach trip is complete without a Pub Sub stop. And you've got 'sub'stantial options, baby. How about a Boar's Head Italian Sub, Publix Ultimate Sub, or Boar's Head Cajun Turkey & Shrimp Poboy? The tried-and-true is the Chicken Tender Sub made with Publix Deli's famous double-hand-breaded chicken tenders. This sandwich has become a Sunshine State institution that people across the country crave!
Publix.com
#4 SoCe Market
They may be the new kid on the block in Winter Haven, but SoCe Market (pronounced So-See) is making waves with their new menu. Their list of signature sammies boasts heavy hitters, including a killer Cuban, the Chimi Cherry Coke-O Pop made with chimichurri glazed roast beef, Cherry Coke caramelized onion, roasted red peppers, and pepper jack cheese, and the St. Larry. But the submarine star of the show is the Bump & Grind. Dubbed "TheTikTok Sandwich," the Bump and Grind is stacked with ham, salami, pepperoni, provolone, and Swiss cheese, baked and topped with an NYC deli-style salad, banana peppers, tomato, and red onion. Be sure to browse their bodega offerings when you're done!
380 Ave C SW, Winter Haven, FL
FB: SoCe Market
#5 Chef Neil's Bistro
Chef Neil Curran, owner and sandwich master extraordinaire of Chef Neil's Bistro off Dundee Road, opened his establishment in 2010. The bistro is famous for its Cubano, made with Cuban bread, salami, ham, Cuban pork, Swiss, pickles, and mayo on one slice of bread and mustard on the other. But he has a menu full of tasty sub options like the Vinnie, an Italian sammy with ham, salami, hot cappy, pepperoni, provolone, lettuce, tomato, mayo, mustard, salt, pepper, oil, and vinegar on a toasted hoagie roll. It's named after his cousin Vinnie and Uncle Vinnie. Check out his menu for other fun names and delicious fare. There's nothing sub-standard about Chef Neil's Bistro!
1612 Dundee Rd #1015, Winter Haven, FL
(863) 293-5805
FB: Chef Neil's Bistro
#6 Divicious Deli & Coffee Shop
This New York Style deli 'with a hint of Cuban-infused flavor' is nestled on the corner of E. Main across from Munn Park. According to their website, "Businesswoman Yohansi Santana has built Divicious Deli & Coffee Shop with a vision to improve the quality of food and culture in Lakeland. She has dedicated years to her shop by providing high-quality foods, drinks, and customer service to assure all customers have an exceptional experience." From Cafe con Leche and caramel cappuccinos to Cubans and Capicola ham sandwiches, Divicious has something for everyone. Their menu of sammies is substantial, and you're sure to find a sub you'll love.
128 E Main St., Lakeland, FL
(863) 940-9779
#7 Deli Basket
Handcrafted sandwiches made with bakery-fresh bread, delicious cheese, and freshly sliced meats – what more could you want from a sub? Offering dine-in, carry-out, and catering, Deli Basket is most known for their 'world famous' Deli Club topped with ham, turkey, bacon, cheddar, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and special sauce on a ciabatta roll. Yum! If that doesn't strike your fancy, they have everything from corned beef and chicken salad to Reubens and roast beef.
3078 Cypress Gardens Rd, Winter Haven, FL
(863) 325-9800
#8 Fat Jacks Deli & Pub
A Lakeland linchpin, Fat Jack's Deli & Pub was established in 1963 by Jack and Stella Toro. Starting as a dishwasher in 1982, owner Mark Westfall purchased the deli in 1993. Fat Jack's loaded menu offers specialty sandwiches like an Italian sub, chicken parm, Cuban mix, and the Original Sloppy Jack with lean roast beef on a sub roll topped with coleslaw and brown beef gravy served open-faced. If you still aren't satisfied, try one of their Overstuffed Sandwiches (Boars Head corned beef, ham, turkey breast, meatball, and more) or combo sandwiches. We hear they're sub-lime!
2940 Florida Ave S, Lakeland, FL
(863) 687-0262
#9 Bach Lac Bakery and Boba
Banh Mi? Oh My! In a bright yellow building on Avenue A, Bao and Lena Nguyen bake 'a lot of happiness' by way of fresh bread and authentic Vietnamese recipes to make their 'Dang Good' bami (banh mi). According to Bao, "In Asian Vietnamese meaning, Bách means 'a lot,' and Lac means 'happiness.' So the name basically means 'a lot of happiness.'" BL's number one, Combination Bami, is their most popular. The special Vietnamese-style sandwich is served with Vietnamese jambon, pork roll, head cheese, pate, daikon radish, pickled carrot, cucumber, cilantro, and jalapeno.
260 Ave A SW, Winter Haven, FL
(863) 229-5507
#10 Mama Dilo's Deli
Ah, a sub like Mama used to make! Mama's menu is chock-full of delicious deli delicacies, including salads, sandwiches, and specials. How about a Cliff Hanger with turkey, roast beef, provolone, or hot pepper cheese, and an all-the-way Italian salad? Or if that doesn't strike your sub fancy, and you're looking to share, try the Dilo Destroyer. Roast beef, turkey, corned beef, pastrami, Hani, salami, capicola, and pepperoni. This bad boy serves two!
93 1st St S, Winter Haven, FL
(863) 294-3397
FB: Mama Dilo's Deli
#11 Soup'R Cubans
Soup'R Cubans is backed by 40 years of experience in the food service industry and darn good Cuban sammy. This Winter Haven sandwich shop has been 'Making it Fresh since 2000.' Known for their pressed Cubans on fresh Cuban bread delivered daily from Tampa, they also have a rotating menu of soups of the day along with prime sub options. Meatball and provolone on an Italian sub roll, anyone?
1502 42nd St NW, Winter Haven, FL
(863) 967-6277
#12 The Hoagie Place
This family-based business is the place for a good hoagie. They have a full menu of made fresh options, along with cold grab-and-go subs and wraps if you're hungry and in a hurry. The Hoagie Place offers classics like a Cuban, Reuben, and club with mouthwatering options, including the Katz with pastrami, mustard, and Swiss cheese on marble rye bread and the Puertorro with pork, ham, string fries, mayo ketchup, lettuce, and tomato on a hoagie roll.
5999 Dundee Rd #450, Winter Haven, FL
(863) 662-4268
FB: The Hoagie Place
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